Full name: Carolina Ferrer
Hispanic Heritage: Colombian
Residence: Fort Myers, Florida
Profession: Clinical Social Worker, CEO of my practice - Carolina’s Compassionate Corporation, and Chair of the board for our nonprofit - Carolina’s Compassion Corporation
LTM: Tell us about what you do for a living and how you got into it.
With nearly 18 years of experience as a licensed clinical social worker, my professional journey has been profoundly shaped by my background and experiences. I immigrated to the United States from Colombia at the age of nine with my family, driven by the aspiration to achieve the American dream. My goal was to make a meaningful impact by becoming the first in my family to earn a master’s degree and obtain a professional license.
Through personal and familial challenges, I have gained a deep appreciation for both the difficulties and significant advantages of life in this country. This understanding has fueled my commitment to giving back to the community that has supported my success.
My career began in grassroots social work, where I was guided by a mentor who recognized my potential in the field. This opportunity led me to collaborate with various social service organizations, including the Oasis Youth Shelter, medical facilities such as a dialysis and kidney transplant center, and organizing kidney walks. I also worked at Golisano Children's Hospital, focusing on pediatric and maternal/paternal mental health, where I facilitated support groups for individuals struggling with substance addictions and worked on securing safe placements for infants through adoption agencies and the Department of Children and Families (DCF).
My experiences in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) supporting infants born with drug exposure and their mothers underscored the need for compassionate care and highlighted the challenges posed by bureaucratic constraints. These insights inspired me to establish my practice in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. My practice is dedicated to providing high-quality, holistic mental health care to individuals and families within our community, guided by our philosophy: "peace in your mind, balance in your body, and healing in your spirit."
LTM: In your industry, what would you say separates you from your competition?
Our practice stands out in the mental health field due to its dedication to providing personalized, concierge-level care. Unlike larger organizations where clients might feel like just another number, we prioritize individualized attention, tailoring our services to each person’s unique needs and journey. Our approach combines dedicated resources with a compassionate touch, ensuring that every client receives the time and support they deserve.
In an industry often marked by resource limitations and impersonal service, our focus on quality and empathy distinguishes us. We offer a concierge-like experience with flexible access options, including telehealth and in-person sessions. Our services encompass holistic counseling, outdoor therapy sessions, community education through blogs, and collaborations with other providers in SWFL. We also enhance the client experience with complimentary refreshments and the presence of our in-office emotional support dog, Gracie. These elements collectively foster a sense of community, compassion, and exceptional care at Carolina's Compassionate Counseling, setting us apart from our competitors.
LTM: Why do you feel you were nominated?
Receiving the nomination for the 2024 Latino Líderes Awards feels like a profound blessing, giving me an opportunity to expand my service to the community on a larger scale. My core mission, both personally and professionally, is to create the greatest good for the greatest number of people. As a social worker, I strive to champion change, foster healing, promote equality, and support overall well-being in every aspect of individuals' lives. This recognition as a leader is an extraordinary gift, one that I cherish deeply and am determined to honor with unwavering dedication.
LTM: During COVID-19, tell us about your Biggest Challenge/obstacle and how you overcame it/or are overcoming it.
The COVID-19 pandemic revealed the profound loss, dramatic life changes, and widespread trauma affecting individuals and communities, motivating me to establish my practice in 2020. The severe impact of the pandemic on mental health underscored the urgent need for compassionate, personalized care within my community. Despite the significant risks and challenges associated with launching a business during such a tumultuous period, I remained steadfast in my commitment to making a meaningful difference.
As many organizations faced closures or had to adapt drastically, I saw this as an opportunity to become a catalyst for positive change and provide critical support during an unprecedented time. We implemented telehealth services and phone support to reach individuals isolated and distanced from their loved ones. I leveraged my clinical expertise to assist those grappling with the pandemic's emotional toll, recognizing that fear and uncertainty profoundly affect our mental well-being. This experience has reaffirmed the core of our mission: "peace in your mind, healing in your spirit." We offered telehealth services, phone calls, and support during one of the worst times for people who were in isolation, left alone, and abandoned by loved ones out of fear. I utilized my clinical skills to offer support and help those affected by the pandemic, recognizing the collective reality that our brains are organs deeply impacted by fear and uncertainty. This experience reinforced the importance of our mission: "peace in your mind, healing in your spirit."
LTM: Tell us about your biggest achievement in business or personal life, and how you achieved it
One of my most significant achievements has been becoming the first in my family to earn a Master of Social Work (MSW) and advance to a higher level of education. The greatest reward was witnessing my mother’s pride as she saw the realization of the sacrifices she made and the fulfillment of our shared dream. I achieved what my parents envisioned for me: transforming our family’s legacy through education and reaching a level of higher education they had only dreamed of.
Another notable accomplishment was embracing my role as a first-generation business owner. In 2020, I made the courageous decision to launch my practice, leaving behind a stable job with excellent benefits to pursue my passion for providing high-quality mental health services. My husband and I took this leap of faith together, supporting one another through financial uncertainties and celebrating our successes. For me, success is defined by the joy of pursuing my calling each day, viewing my work not merely as a job but as a meaningful vocation.
LTM: What is next for you? What can people expect to see from you?
My vision for the practice is to foster greater diversity by developing specialized groups tailored to men, teens, and young adults. I am also committed to continuing my support for graduate social work students in various roles, contributing to the development of the next generation of social workers.
Additionally, I plan to expand our services to include concierge care, incorporating nurse practitioners for comprehensive medication management. I am dedicated to promoting self-care and enhancing community engagement through elevated speaking opportunities.
As I evolve as a business owner, I aim to assume a leadership role that extends beyond my clinical work. My ultimate goal is to create a lasting legacy of positive change for future generations of social workers.
LTM: What does being a U.S. Citizen mean to you?
For me, it symbolizes purpose and opportunity. Arriving in the U.S. during the 1990s, amid the violence that plagued Colombia, I personally witnessed the devastating effects of high crime, including observing people being shot on three separate occasions. The sacrifices my family made to bring me to this country for better prospects have profoundly shaped my life, enabling me to grow, pursue my dreams, and reach my full potential. The possibilities are boundless.
Becoming a U.S. citizen represents hope for many who have migrated, which inspired me to establish Carolina's Compassionate Corporation, our nonprofit initiative. Through this organization, I am committed to providing mental health care access to those who are undocumented face financial barriers, lack medical insurance, or have limited access to mental health services.
LTM: Who is your/or was your role model in life and why?
My mother was my greatest role model. For 25 years, she thrived as a banker at a leading institution named Banco Colombiano, excelling with numbers while embodying kindness and generosity—qualities reminiscent of a modern-day Mother Teresa. Despite the hardship of losing her mother at birth and being raised by various family members, she refused to see herself as a victim. Instead, she forged a successful career in accounting with limited formal education, having left school to support her aunt’s family, including three children, out of loyalty and gratitude.
Abandoned by her father, my mother went on to marry my father and became an extraordinary mother herself. Despite enduring profound loss, grief, and personal suffering, she remained a beacon of strength and generosity, admired by many even when she had so little to give. She passed away from cancer after witnessing my achievements, including earning my MSW degree and getting married. It felt as though she had fulfilled her mission, and her legacy inspires me to continue her work with unwavering resolve. Her sacrifices were immense, and she never had the chance for a conventional life, burdened as she was by trauma and poverty. Yet, she became a woman of faith, hope, and excellence. She refused to let her past define her, choosing instead to make a difference and give back despite her circumstances. Everything I do, I do in her honor.
LTM: What is the best lesson that you have learned in leadership and how has it helped your career?
The most valuable lesson I've learned in leadership is the critical importance of avoiding toxic loyalty and holding myself accountable. Early in my career, I made the mistake of hiring out of necessity rather than prioritizing skills and qualifications. This experience underscored the need for accountability and taught me to clearly articulate my needs rather than accepting subpar solutions.
I've worked diligently on building my self-worth and now approach risks and challenges with boldness and directness, even though my natural tendency is to seek harmony and please others. Defining my goals with clarity, understanding how I want to achieve them, and executing them with precision have become central to my leadership strategy. Clear and direct communication has greatly enhanced my effectiveness.
Moreover, I've learned to separate personal traumas and survival instincts from my professional life. This means taking time to reflect and manage tasks without falling into workaholic tendencies. It's about finding joy in my work while maintaining balance and staying focused on what truly matters in my leadership journey.
LTM: What is your comida Latina favorita?
La banda paisa is my Colombian roots and arepa con queso y chocolate is my favorite.
Comments